Live rank works like a growing sample, not a frozen result
This page gives the calm explanation users often need after seeing their rank move. The score can stay the same while the surrounding leaderboard becomes more accurate.
1. More submissions create a stronger sample
Early after an answer key is released, only a smaller set of candidates may have checked their score. As more candidates submit, the leaderboard reflects a wider and more realistic distribution of marks.
2. Your score and your rank are different things
Your score
Based on your own response sheet and marking scheme
Your rank
Based on where that score stands relative to everyone else
3. Fair ranking can also rebalance the board
If users selected very different marking schemes, ShiftRank rebalances the public board using the consensus scoring pattern. That can slightly move positions compared with what users first expected.
4. The final official result can still differ
ShiftRank is built for analysis and prediction. Official final results can differ because of normalization rules, revised answer keys, dropped questions, objections, or authority-specific tie-breakers.